National Security Strategy

India is working on its first-ever national security strategy document after years of deliberations in the military and strategic community.

What is National Security Strategy?

• NSS - A National Security Strategy (NSS) document outlines the country’s security objectives, and the ways to achieve these.
• It defines traditional, non-traditional threats and opportunities while introducing accountability of agencies tasked with the implementation of such responsibilities.
• History - The NSS of India has not been defined since its Independence in 1947.
• Earlier 3 attempts has been made (2007, 2019 and 2021) to come out with the national security strategy, but there was hesitation at the political level.
• Significance of NSS - The strategy will cover the entire range of traditional and non-traditional threats facing India, such as financial, energy, information, and environmental security.
• It will guide the military and security reforms and provide a holistic view of the national security.
• NSS will reflect India’s response to the rising geopolitical tensions and uncertainties in the world.
• The document will be made public and updated regularly based on emerging situation and newer threat assessments.

Why India needs a National Security Strategy?

• Resource utilisation- The strategy will help in optimal utilisation of India's comprehensive national power and resources.
• Address vulnerabilities- India’s border is linked with large scale smuggling and contraband trade that permits channels through which terrorists and criminals find easy access.
• Technology driven world- NSS would enable the identification of critical infrastructure that may be vulnerable to cyber-attacks, and the development of human resources capable of identifying attacks and protecting and restoring critical systems.
• Nuclear security- The country’s nuclear deterrent must deal with the challenge of two nuclear-armed neighbours namely China and Pakistan.
• Dynamic nature- The only political direction to the Armed Forces in existence is Raksha Mantri’s operational Directive of 2009 which is outdated and needs to be revised.
• Jointness- There has to be a national defence doctrine to achieve synergy, coordination and jointness among the three services and to enhance their combat effectiveness and operational readiness.

What components must the NSS encompass?

• Climate change- NSS should anticipate the consequences of ecological degradation such as melting of glaciers, sea level rise, large scale migration of population and formulate coping measures.
• Internal security- The strategy must address the internal security threats such as inequality, erosion of institutions, lawlessness and centre-state relations.
• External security management- The doctrine should emphasise the need to restore deterrence against India's adversaries, especially China, and to pursue the goal of transforming India into a modern, prosperous and secure country.
• Strategic communication- NSS must be integrated with strategic communication, particularly in a democracy, to shape public perceptions through constant and consistent public outreach and to provide a channel for public opinion or feedback.